The Book of Confessions - The Presbyterian Leader

CHAPTER XXIV - The Civil Magistrate
We confess and acknowledge that empires, kingdoms, dominions, and cities are appointed
and ordained by God; the powers and authorities in them, emperors in empires, kings in their
realms, dukes and princes in their dominions, and magistrates in cities, are ordained by God's holy
ordinance for the manifestation of his own glory and for the good and well being of all men. We
hold that any men who conspire to rebel or to overturn the civil powers, as duly established, are
not merely enemies to humanity but rebels against God's will. Further, we confess and
acknowledge that such persons as are set in authority are to be loved, honored, feared, and held in
the highest respect, because they are the lieutenants of God, and in their councils God himself
doth sit and judge. They are the judges and princes to whom God has given the sword for the
praise and defense of good men and the punishment of all open evil doers. Moreover, we state
that the preservation and purification of religion is particularly the duty of kings, princes, rulers,
and magistrates. They are not only appointed for civil government but also to maintain true
religion and to suppress all idolatry and superstition. This may be seen in David, Jehosaphat,
Hezekiah, Josiah, and others highly commended for their zeal in that cause.
Therefore we confess and avow that those who resist the supreme powers, so long as they
are acting in their own spheres, are resisting God's ordinance and cannot be held guiltless. We
further state that so long as princes and rulers vigilantly fulfill their office, anyone who denies
them aid, counsel, or service, denies it to God, who by his lieutenant craves it of them.
CHAPTER XXV - The Gifts Freely Given to the Kirk
Although the Word of God truly preached, the sacraments rightly ministered, and
discipline executed according to the Word of God, are certain and infallible signs of the true Kirk,
we do not mean that every individual person in that company is a chosen member of Christ Jesus.
We acknowledge and confess that many weeds and tares are sown among the corn and grow in
great abundance in its midst, and that the reprobate may be found in the fellowship of the chosen
and may take an outward part with them in the benefits of the Word and sacraments. But since
they only confess God for a time with their mouths and not with their hearts, they lapse, and do
not continue to the end. Therefore they do not share the fruits of Christ's death, resurrection, and
ascension. But such as unfeignedly believe with the heart and boldly confess the Lord Jesus with
their mouths shall certainly receive his gifts. Firstly, in this life, they shall receive remission of sins
and that by faith in Christ's blood alone; for though sin shall remain and continually abide in our
mortal bodies, yet it shall not be counted against us, but be pardoned, and covered with Christ's
righteousness. Secondly, in the general judgment, there shall be given to every man and woman
resurrection of the flesh. The seas shall give up her dead, and the earth those who are buried
within her. Yea, the Eternal, our God, shall stretch out his hand on the dust, and the dead shall
arise incorruptible, and in the very substance of the selfsame flesh which every man now bears, to
receive according to their works, glory or punishment. Such as now delight in vanity, cruelty,
filthiness, superstition, or idolatry, shall be condemned to the fire unquenchable, in which those
who now serve the devil in all abominations shall be tormented forever, both in body and in spirit.
But such as continue in well doing to the end, boldly confessing the Lord Jesus, shall receive
glory, honor, and immortality, we constantly believe, to reign forever in life everlasting with
Copyright © 1996 by the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (USA)